Slumber Party (Kill Rock Stars): The years pass, but the Velvet Underground's influence continues. Describing themselves as a "4-girl combo from Detroit," Slumber Party make drone-pop that falls somewhere between early The Jesus and Mary Chain, the Velvets and the Roches. Writer Aliccia Berg has a firm grasp on what she wants to tell you, and Gretchen Gonzales' slightly tentative solos shimmer sadly at an almost subliminal level. Standout tracks: "Sooner or Later," "Any Other Day," "Why Do I Care" and "Fantasy."  Michael Goldberg